Clapping

"Handclap" redirects here. For the song by Fitz and the Tantrums, seeHandClap.For the Hurricane Chris song, seeThe Hand Clap.

Aclapis thepercussivesound made by striking together two flat surfaces, as in the body parts of humans or animals. Humans clap with the palms of theirhands,often quickly and repeatedly to express appreciation or approval (seeapplause), but also inrhythmas a form ofbody percussionto match the sounds inmusic,dance,chants,hand games,andclapping games.

A man clapping

Clapping hand

Some people slap the back of one hand into the palm of the other hand to signify urgency orenthusiasm.This act may be considered uncouth by others.

Clapping is used in many forms of music. In American music, clapping is popular infunk,gospel,doo-wopand earlypop.Inflamencoandsevillanas,two Spanish musical genres, clapping is calledpalmasand often sets the rhythm and is an integral part of the songs. Asampledor synthesized clap is also a staple ofelectronicand pop music.

Musical works that include clapping

Classical works performed entirely by clapping

• Steve Reich,Clapping Music(1972)
• Robert Paterson,Voices(1988)
• Pascal Zavaro,Kino-Klap(2008)

Classical works which include clapping

• Carlos Surinach,Ritmo Jondo(1953)
• David Chesky,Flute ConcertoetViolin Concerto

The clapping patterns known askeplokare important in Javanesegamelan.A type of synthesized clap is popular in manyrapandhip hopsongs as well. This is derived from and mimics the technique used in older popular music (e.g.discoandfunkof the 1970s), in which multiple instances of real handclaps were recorded or a single recording was made of a group of performers clapping in unison. This was usually done for the purpose of reinforcing thesnare drumbeat on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar (offbeat). ModernR&B,hip hop, and rap often omit the snare drum, making the claps a more obvious and central feature of the beat.

Acoustics and medical applications

Clapping is useful in (medical) opening up blocked blood circulation. Clapping can be used inacousticsto check thereverberationtime of a room. This is determined by measuring the clap'sdecay time.

Pedagogical applications

See:Counting (music).

Clapping is often used to help people recognize the rhythm in sounds. It can be used to help musicians count out rhythms.

It is also used to teachphonological awarenessto students learning the ways words are constructed. They often clap outsyllablesto learn to break words into their component sounds.

Sports and other pursuits

'Viking clapping' ofIcelandfans

DuringUEFA Euro 2016,Iceland's fans became widely known for their 'volcano clap' (or 'Viking clap') with a 'huh' chant, though it originated with fans of Scottish clubMotherwell F.C. Canberra Raidersfans subsequently adopted the 'Viking clap'.Similarly, fans of theMinnesota Vikingshave also adopted the 'Viking clap' to show support for the team, chanting 'skol' rather than the original 'huh' chant.

In the mid 2010s, a practice of clapping as a way to emphasize talking points emerged among African American women, especially when clapping out individual syllables in words. This was pointed out in popular media by the comedianRobin ThedeonThe Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.It has since become more widely applied both online, often using the "hand clap" emoji, and in person.

See also

• Applause
• Chest physiotherapy
• The Clapper
• Clapper (musical instrument)
• Clapping game
• Concert etiquette
• Finger snapping
• Palmas (music)
• Pat-a-cake
• Tejime
• The Clapping Song

References

• Brown, T. Pierce (2002). "Is Clapping Hands in Worship Appropriate?",Gospel Gazette.